I have always loved the story of Mary and the Alabaster Box with the precious ointment inside. One of our pastors preached on this very passage last evening and it sparked my love for this passage once again.
(Mark 14:3-8)
Alabaster is a beautiful semi-transparent gemstone.
It was used to make containers which would hold only the most expensive and precious contents.
When the contents were extremely precious, the makers would work the stone in such a way that the only way to empty it would be to break the container.
This perfume was made from the oil of an herb plant called nard and was only found in India in Biblical times, so this was a precious import and it could very well have been a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation. In biblical times, perfume was stored in an alabaster jar and could only be used once.
Once you broke the seal of the jar, it had to be used at that moment, or it would loose its fragrance. Mary knew that this would be a one time deal. She was willing to give it all or nothing at all.
What are we doing with the resources God has given to us as woman of God?
What does it mean to you to give your best to Him?
Are you giving Him your ‘leftovers’?
When you have a special, honored guest into your home, do you give them your soggy leftovers from last night’s hurried meal? No, you take your time –
Planning
Preparing
Presenting
your very best!
How much more should we do this for our Savior?
Sacrifice never seems justifiable. It never looks good on paper.
BUT~
It should cost you something!
Ever thought these very same things I have?:
I have so much to do today, I couldn’t possibly STOP what I’m doing, and spend some time with you! I want to do this ___________ (<-----insert excuse here). Mary anointed both the head and the feet of her Master, and wiped His feet with her hair. It was an act of love and devotion that brought fragrance to the whole house.
It was an act of Faith – she believed what Jesus was saying about His imminent death and burial.
Our belief in what God says should cause us to respond in obedience.
Each of us women have our own life to live before the Lord. Only we know of what He is asking of us- what He is asking us to sacrifice for Him – what he is asking us to lay down for Him.
Our motivation should be that of Love, Gratitude, Thankfulness, and Honor for our Savior Jesus Christ.
The room grew still
As she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper
There’s no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of alabaster
And I’ve come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary’s alabaster box
Don’t be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair
You weren’t there the night He found me
You did not feel what I felt
When he wrapped his love all around me and
You don’t know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box
I can’t forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days
Poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box
I’d thought I’d found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul
With the wonder of His touch
So now I’m giving back to Him
All the praise He’s worthy of
I’ve been forgiven
And that’s why
I love Him so much
